It was arguably the most anticipated game of the 2000s, and the sequel to Valve Software’s seminal debut became something of a force of nature within the games industry, reshaping PC gaming as we knew it.Īt the time, Valve had a lot to live up to. Another title that would leave a tremendous impact on the gaming landscape was Half-Life 2. World of Warcraft popularized the massively multiplayer online sub-genre, Doom 3 impressed with its mesmerizing visuals, and Halo 2 set a new standard for console multiplayer going forward. These aren’t the best games, and they aren’t necessarily games that you need to rush out and play today, but there’s no question that they left an indelible impact on game developers, players, and in some cases, society at large.Ģ004 was a hotbed for games that would go on to leave a lasting impact on the industry. Join GameSpot as we celebrate gaming history and give recognition to the most influential games of the 21st century.
